Zushi, shrine used in Buddhist temples, containing a statue of Aizen Myoo. He sits on his typical lotus throne carried by a vase full of jewels, surrounded by a circular, red, flaming nimbus. He has six arms and on his head he wears a crown in the shape of a lion’s head flanked by two gilded sharito reliquaries. In his lower hands Aizen holds a ghanta and a bell, the secondary hands hold arrows and formerly held a bow, the upper pair of hands used to hold probably a rope and a jewel. Sandalwood decorated with gold and black and red. Jewelry made of gilded copper and glass beads. Japan, Edo period, 18th century.

H zushi ca. 16 inches; figure of Aizen ca. 5 inches.

Figure: one are re-stuck with glue, others joints showing small seams, some beads missing in gilded jewelry. Zushi: some lacquer chips on the doors, edges and other traces of obvious age and usage. All in all very good condition.